Flexible Yarn Spool Winding System

ABSTRACT

The invention is a flexible spool that serves as both yarn winder and storage vessel. The invention comes with an adapter made of plastic imbedded with a magnetic hex head attachment for use with a power drill or power screwdriver. When used, the invention protects yarn from tangles, knots, dust and debris and allows the user to knit with a continuous, easy feed of yarn from the beginning to the conclusion of a project.

BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION

My invention is relative to the needles arts, namely knitting, crochet, weaving, etc. and the handling of yarn. Many yarns are sold in the form of hanks or skeins which must be wound into balls or cakes before use. The objective is to create a form which is more manageable and tangle free. The traditional method to create this form is by using a yarn winder and swift. The result is a ball or cake, when removed from the winder, that has a tendency to collapse and cause eventual tangles and knots. Some of the “multi-textured” or “slippery” yarns are near impossible to wind without deforming even before being removed from the winder. Once wound, the yarn needs to be protected from uncontrolled unravelling. The common practice of placing the ball in a knitting bag or bowl, does very little to alleviate this problem. The purpose of my invention is to provide the means to wind and protect the yarn from tangles, knots, dust and debris and to allow for continuous, easy feed to the end user and a way to lock the yarn in place when not in use.

SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a flexible spool, comprised of polyethylene web sleeve, imbedded into rigid plastic rings at each end and a rubber compression band in the middle. When coupled with the drive adapter, it is both a yarn winder and a storage vessel. The adapter is a one inch diameter plastic cylinder with a magnetic hex head drive bit embedded into one end. The adapter is to be attached to a drill or power screw driver, which becomes the power source for winding. The sleeve is inserted into the yarn spool and is held in position by pressure created by the rubber compression band. To start the winding process, place the yarn on a swift or other feed source. Secure the end of the yarn to the spool by hand winding two or three turns over the compression band until it is secure. Hold the driver in one hand and use the other to guide the yarn. As the spool is spinning, guide the yarn back and forth for even distribution. Once winding is complete, slip the loose end between the wound yarn and the flexible mesh, to lock into place. Slide the spool off the adaptor and it's ready for use or storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The spool embodied in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is comprised of three main elements.

The mesh sleeve, element 1, is a low-density polyethylene of 0.06 thickness, expandable in 4″ to 6″ range due to the diamond pattern. The diamond pattern allows for stretching under tension, causing the whole shape to elongate in one direction and narrow in the other. This accordion effect causes the tensioned dimension to shorten and the perpendicular to grow, thus allowing the sleeve to move in both directions.

Embodied in FIG. 2 (top view of FIG. 1), the spool is shaped by the addition of element 2 which is a 4½″ diameter 5/16^(th) rigid plastic ring on each end. The rigid plastic rings are formed by pouring a two part liquid plastic resin into an open mold. While the plastic resin is in its liquid state, one end of the webbed sleeve is inserted into the mold becoming permanently imbedded into the ring. Once the plastic is hardened, the ring and web are removed from the mold and the process is repeated on the other end of the sleeve. Once this end is hardened, it is removed from the mold and set aside for additional curing. It has now taken the shape of a concave cylinder. The addition of element 3 is a 1″ diameter by ½″ rubber compression band, creates its final form and helps to secure the spool to the drill adapter embodied in FIG. 3.

Element 4, in FIG. 3, is a 1″ by 4½″ hollow cylinder to which element 5, a ¼″ by 2″ magnetic hex head screw tip. is permanently imbedded in one end.

Embodied in FIG. 4, the adapter is inserted into the spool and is ready to be attached to a power drill or power screwdriver for use.

FIG. 5 is an actual prototype showing yarn wound on spool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—Side View of the Flexible Yarn Spool

FIG. 2—Top View of the Flexible Yarn Spool

FIG. 3—Drill Adapter

FIG. 4—Prototype of the Flexible Yarn Spool with Adapter inserted

FIG. 5—Loaded Yarn Spool showing end of yarn locked tightly in place 

1- Easily wind yarn of all textures. 2- Stores the yarn free of tangles or knots. 3- Locks the yarn in place when not in use. 4- Protects yarn from dust and debris. 5- Creates a safe cocoon around the yarn. 6- Easy continuous feed to the end user. 7- Collapsable and compact. 8- Ease of control. 9- Portable. 10- Reusable. 